Man convicted of racketeering, murder in prostitution ring

A man from New Jersey has been convicted of federal racketeering and murder charges in a criminal enterprise that brought people into the country illegally to work in New Jersey brothels.

A federal court jury in Newark Monday convicted Wilmer Chavez-Romero, 29, of all eight counts, including racketeering, racketeering conspiracy, and murder and assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering.

According to federal prosecutors, Chavez-Romero was the "enforcer" of a large-scale prostitution ring that operated in Cumberland, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean counties.

Prosecutors say Chavez-Romero committed assaults and robberies to attack rival operations, punished disloyal members of the organization and carried out killings.

Chavez-Romero, also known as "Charmin," is said to have been the house manager for the group's Bridgeton brothel.

The largest U.S. seller of San Marzano tomatoes, known to food lovers as the best tomatoes to make pasta sauce, has been hit with two federal lawsuits claiming what's inside the can isn't the real thing.

The largest U.S. seller of San Marzano tomatoes, known to food lovers as the best tomatoes to make pasta sauce, has been hit with two federal lawsuits claiming what's inside the can isn't the real thing.